Food and beverage trade in the UAE increased to reach over $20 billion in the first nine months of 2021, supported by growing demand and expanded efforts to enhance food security and diversify food imports, a report said.

Imports accounted for the largest share of the UAE’s F&B trade during January-September 2021 period, or $12.8 billion, followed by exports ($4.1 billion) and re-exports ($3.3 billion), according to new analysis from Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

Moreover, from 2011 to 2020, the UAE’s F&B imports, exports and re-exports grew at a CAGR of 0.6 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 6.0 per cent, respectively.

The findings, based on data from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistical Center (FCSC) of the UAE, were released during a briefing hosted by Dubai Chamber of Commerce on the sidelines of Gulfood 2022 in Dubai.

The analysis identified India as the UAE’s top F&B trading partner, as the country accounted for 12 per cent of the Gulf country’s total F&B trade value, followed by the US (7 per cent) Brazil (6 per cent) Australia (5 per cent), Canada (5 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (5 per cent). Imported fruits and nuts accounted for the largest proportion of the UAE’s imports of F&B (13 per cent), followed by meat (11 per cent) dairy products (10 per cent) and oilseeds (7 per cent).

Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations, Dubai Chamber of Commerce said the growing momentum behind the UAE’s F&B trade reflect the country’s successful efforts and initiatives implemented to diversify import and export markets.